Inflatable Water Walkway

ABSTRACT

An inflatable device is disclosed. The inflatable device includes an airtight inflatable mat. The airtight inflatable mat has a first surface member, a second surface member and at least one side member. A plurality of support structures is substantially evenly disposed internally within the airtight inflatable mat. Each support structure is generally parallel to each other and is coupled to the first surface member and the second surface member of the airtight inflatable mat. Furthermore, a plurality of fastening mechanisms is disposed on the at least one side member of the airtight inflatable mat. The fastening mechanisms are positioned on a plane substantially centrally located between the first surface member and the second surface member, and each fastening mechanism is configured for removably connecting with another fastening mechanism disposed on a side member of another airtight inflatable mat.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/407,874 filed on Feb. 29, 2012, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure generally relates to the field of inflatable devices,particularly to an inflatable water walkway.

BACKGROUND

Various types of recreational aquatic activities have long been popularwith children and adults alike. Floatation devices such as floatingtubes/beds and the like have been utilized in some of these activities.Some of these floatation devices may be inflatable. For example, aninflatable floating bed may form an air mattress that floats on water,allowing one or two people to lie on the air mattress and relax.

However, existing floating beds are limited by its size and usefulnessthat they provide. Therein lies a need for an inflatable device withoutthese shortcomings.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to an inflatable device. Theinflatable device includes a generally rectangular airtight inflatablemat. The airtight inflatable mat has a first surface member, a secondsurface member, two elongated sides and two short sides. A plurality ofsupport structures is disposed internally within the airtight inflatablemat. Each support structure is generally parallel to the two short sidesand is coupled to the first surface member and the second surface memberof the airtight inflatable mat. The support structures are disposedsubstantially evenly in between the two short sides of the airtightinflatable mat. Furthermore, a pair of fastening mechanisms isrespectively disposed on the two short sides of the airtight inflatablemat. The fastening mechanisms are positioned on a plane substantiallycentrally located between the first surface member and the secondsurface member, and each fastening mechanism is configured for removablyconnecting with another fastening mechanism disposed on a short side ofanother airtight inflatable mat.

A further embodiment of the present disclosure is also directed to aninflatable device. The inflatable device includes an airtight inflatablemat. The airtight inflatable mat has a first surface member, a secondsurface member and at least one side member. A plurality of supportstructures is substantially evenly disposed internally within theairtight inflatable mat. Each support structure is generally parallel toeach other and is coupled to the first surface member and the secondsurface member of the airtight inflatable mat. Furthermore, a pluralityof fastening mechanisms is disposed on the at least one side member ofthe airtight inflatable mat. The fastening mechanisms are positioned ona plane substantially centrally located between the first surface memberand the second surface member, and each fastening mechanism isconfigured for removably connecting with another fastening mechanismdisposed on a side member of another airtight inflatable mat.

An additional embodiment of the present disclosure is also directed toan inflatable device. The inflatable device includes two airtightinflatable mats. Each airtight inflatable mat has a first surfacemember, a second surface member and at least one side member. Aplurality of support structures is substantially evenly disposedinternally within each airtight inflatable mat. The support structuresare generally parallel to each other and are coupled to the firstsurface member and the second surface member of their respectiveairtight inflatable mat. Furthermore, a pair of fastening mechanisms arerespectively disposed on the at least one side member of the eachairtight inflatable mat. The fastening mechanisms are configured forremovably connecting the first and second airtight inflatable mat toform a floatable walkway.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not necessarily restrictive of the present disclosure. Theaccompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a partof the specification, illustrate subject matter of the disclosure.Together, the descriptions and the drawings serve to explain theprinciples of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The numerous advantages of the disclosure may be better understood bythose skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an inflatable mat having a pair of fasteningmechanisms;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the inflatable mat depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the inflatable mat depicted inFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an illustration depicting an internal support structure withinthe inflatable mat;

FIG. 5 is an illustration depicting a water walkway provided utilizingthe inflatable mats in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6-12 are partial isometric views illustrating various types offastening mechanisms utilized for interconnecting two inflatable mats;

FIG. 13 is a top view of an inflatable mat having two pairs of fasteningmechanisms;

FIGS. 14-26 are top views illustrating various shapes of inflatable matsin accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 27 is a top view of an inflatable mat having a plurality ofopenings defined thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the subject matter disclosed,which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The present disclosure is directed to an inflatable device that may besuitable for various aquatic activities. One or more interconnectedairtight inflatable mats may be utilized to provide a floatation devicecapable of supporting multiple individuals in lying, sitting or standingpositions. Multiple inflatable mats may also be interconnected andutilized for creating a water walkway or a floating platform of anydesirable length/width. Such devices may be useful for providing awalkway to a boat, connecting multiple boats, or creating a floatingplatform that may be used for various purposes (e.g., relaxation,fishing or the like).

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 through 5, an apparatus 100 including anairtight inflatable mat 102 having a pair of fastening mechanisms 104 isshown. In one embodiment, the inflatable mat 102 is configured in agenerally rectangular configuration. When inflated, the inflatable mat102 defines a top surface 106 (may also be referred to as the firstsurface member), a bottom surface 108 (may also be referred to as thesecond surface member), two elongated sides 110 and two short sides 112.It is understood that the inflatable mat 102 may be made of varioustypes of flexible materials such as plastics or the like. The inflatablemat 102 may be formed using one or more fabricated pieces joinedtogether. The specific material and process utilized for producing theinflatable mat 102 may vary without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present disclosure. In addition, due to the nature of the matbeing inflatable, it is contemplated that certain corners/edges/sidesmay be rounded or curved when inflated.

A plurality of support structures 114 is disposed internally within theinflatable mat 102. As shown in FIG. 3, the support structures 114 maybe configured as longitudinally disposed vertical beams (may be referredto as I-beams) which are coupled (e.g., heat welded or otherwise joinedtogether) to the top and bottom (with respect to the orientationdepicted in FIG. 3) of the inflatable mat 102. The support structures114 serve as retention members and function to limit the outwardexpansion of the top and bottom surfaces of the inflatable mat 102.

In one embodiment, the support structures 114 are configured to begenerally parallel to the two short sides 112 of the inflatable mat 102(and are therefore generally parallel relative to each other). Inaddition, the support structures 114 are disposed substantially evenlyin between the two short sides 112. The distance d between two adjacentsupport structures 114 may be between approximately 1 and 6 inches.Furthermore, the height h of the support structures 114 may be betweenapproximately 1 and 6 inches. Such a configuration allows the inflatablemat 102 to provide sufficient support for individual(s) using theinflatable mat 102, even when the individual(s) is in standing positionand/or walking.

In one particular implementation, when inflated, the length of theinflatable mat 102 may be approximately 10 feet, the width of theinflatable mat 102 may be approximately 6 feet, and the height of theinflatable mat 102 (and the height h of the support structures) may beapproximately 2 inches. The distance d between two adjacent supportstructures 114 may be approximately 3.5 inches for this particularimplementation. However, it is contemplated that the specific dimensionsdescribed above are merely exemplary. The inflatable mat 102 may vary insize without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure.

It is contemplated that each support structure 114 may include aplurality of air passages to allow air flow within the inflatable mat102. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, each support structure 114may define multiple perforations/apertures 116 to allow air flow withinthe inflatable mat 102. Additionally and/or alternatively, a space 118may be defined at each end of the support structure 114 so that air canwork around the support structure 114. It is also contemplated thatwhile the support structures 114 described above are configured asvertical beams (or I-beams), such a configuration is merely exemplary.Other types of support structures such as wave beams, X-beams or thelike may also be utilized.

The apparatus 100 in accordance with the present disclosure furtherincludes at least one pair of fastening mechanisms 104. The fasteningmechanisms 104 are respectively disposed on the two short sides 112 ofthe inflatable mat 102. Each fastening mechanism 104 is configured forremovably connecting with another fastening mechanism disposed on theshort side of another airtight inflatable mat, allowing the user tointerconnect two or more of such inflatable mats to form a walkway of adesired length. For example, a water walkway 200 formed utilizing twoinflatable mats in accordance with the present disclosure is depicted inFIG. 5.

In one embodiment, the fastening mechanism 104 is configured to extendalong a majority of the full lengths of the short side 112 of which thefastening mechanism 104 is coupled to (e.g., extending along at least80% of the side 112). In addition, the fastening mechanism 104 ispositioned on a plane 120 that is centrally located between the top andthe bottom of the inflatable mat 102. Such a configuration strengthensthe regions around the interconnected fastening mechanisms and providesadequate support for users even when they stand or walk around theseregions.

It is contemplated that various types of fastening mechanisms may beutilized for interconnecting the inflatable mats, as illustrated inFIGS. 6 through 12. For instance, zippers may be utilized as thefastening mechanisms 104 as shown in the FIG. 6. However, other types offastening mechanisms may also be utilized. Exemplary fasteningmechanisms may include, but not limited to, the looped connection systemas shown in FIG. 7, the snapped connection system as shown in FIG. 8,the Velcro connection system as shown in FIG. 9, the buckled connectionsystem as shown in FIG. 10, the grommet with rope connection system asshown in FIG. 11, the grommet connection system as shown in FIG. 12, aswell as other types of fastening mechanisms without departing from thespirit and scope of the present disclosure.

It is also contemplated that additional fastening mechanisms 122 may bedisposed on the elongated sides 110, as illustrated in FIG. 13. Thiswould allow the user to interconnect two or more inflatable mats alongthe elongated sides in addition or instead of the short sides. In thismanner, the user may form a walkway or a platform of a desired lengthand/or width. It is contemplated that the fastening mechanisms disposedon the elongated sides may or may not be the same as the fasteningmechanisms disposed on the short sides.

While the exemplary embodiment above describes a water walkway/platformformed utilizing generally rectangular inflatable mats, it iscontemplated that the inflatable mats are not limited to a certaingeometrical shape/configuration. That is, an inflatable mat inaccordance with the present disclosure may be of any geometricalshape/configuration as long as it includes a plurality of internallydisposed support structures for providing sufficient support forindividual(s) using the inflatable mat, and fastening mechanisms forproviding interconnectivity with other inflatable mats (as previouslydescribed).

It is contemplated that some exemplary shapes may include, but notlimited to, a square shape as shown in FIG. 14, a parallelogram shape asshown in FIG. 15, a rhombus shape as shown in FIG. 16, a trapezoid shapeas shown in FIG. 17, an isosceles shape as shown in FIG. 18, atriangular shape as shown in FIG. 19, as well as various other polygonalshapes as shown in FIGS. 20 though 24. It is also contemplated that thefastening mechanisms utilized for providing interconnectivity betweeninflatable mats are not required to be disposed on a straight side ofthe mat. The flexible nature of the fastening mechanisms as well as therelatively large scale inflatable mat (e.g., 5 ft in diameter or more)allows the fastening mechanisms to be disposed on a curved side andstill be able to provide interconnectivity with other inflatable mats.Therefore, the inflatable mats may be configured in a circular or ovalshape, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, respectively.

It is further contemplated that the inflatable mat in accordance withthe present disclosure may define one or more openings 124 suitable forsitting or lounging, as illustrated in FIG. 27. For example, the opening124 may allow a user to extend his/her legs through, therefore providinga more comfortable sitting position for the user. Such openings 124 alsoallow the users to sit face to face, which may be appreciated forvarious purposes such as game playing, carrying out conversations or thelike. It is understood that while the openings 124 as illustrated inFIG. 27 are configured to be circular, other shapes/configurations maybe also be utilized. In addition, the positions of the openings 124 maybe arranged differently than depicted in FIG. 27 without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure provides aconvenient way for creating a water walkway or a floating platform. Theinflatable mats are configured to support multiple individuals in lying,sitting or standing positions. The fastening mechanisms allow the usersto interconnect multiple mats to form a walkway/platform of anydesirable length/width. Furthermore, when deflated, the mats may befolded or rolled-up, and therefore compact and easy to carry around.

It is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to anyunderlying implementing technology. The present disclosure may beimplemented using a variety of technologies without departing from thescope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of itsmaterial advantages.

It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendantadvantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it willbe apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction,and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from thescope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of itsmaterial advantages. The form herein before described being merely anexplanatory embodiment thereof, it is the intention of the followingclaims to encompass and include such changes.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a generally rectangular airtight inflatablemat, the airtight inflatable mat having a first surface member, a secondsurface member, and a plurality of sides including two elongated sidesand two short sides; a plurality of support structures disposedinternally within the airtight inflatable mat, the plurality of supportstructures being generally parallel to the two short sides and beingcoupled to the first surface member and the second surface member of theairtight inflatable mat, the plurality of support structures beingdisposed in between the two short sides of the airtight inflatable mat,and the plurality of support structures being configured to allow airflow within the airtight inflatable mat; and at least one fasteningmechanism including a first fastening mechanism, the first fasteningmechanism disposed on a particular side of the plurality of sides of theairtight inflatable mat, the first fastening mechanism being positionedon a plane substantially centrally located between the first surfacemember and the second surface member, the first fastening mechanismextending along the particular side of the airtight inflatable mat, andthe first fastening mechanism configured for removably connecting withanother fastening mechanism disposed on a side of another airtightinflatable mat.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first fasteningmechanism is a zipper fastening mechanism, a loop connection fasteningmechanism, a snap connection fastening mechanism, a Velcro connectionfastening mechanism, a buckled connection fastening mechanism, a grommetwith rope connection fastening mechanism, or a grommet fasteningmechanism.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least onefastening mechanism further includes a second fastening mechanism,wherein the first and second fastening mechanisms are disposed on thetwo short sides or the two elongated sides of the airtight inflatablemat.
 4. An apparatus, comprising: an airtight inflatable mat, theairtight inflatable mat having a first surface member, a second surfacemember and at least one side member; a plurality of support structuresdisposed internally within the airtight inflatable mat, the plurality ofsupport structures being generally parallel to each other and beingcoupled to the first surface member and the second surface member of theairtight inflatable mat, and the plurality of support structures beingconfigured to allow air flow within the airtight inflatable mat; and atleast one fastening mechanism including a first fastening mechanism, thefirst fastening mechanism disposed on the at least one side member ofthe airtight inflatable mat, the first fastening mechanism beingpositioned on a plane substantially centrally located between the firstsurface member and the second surface member, the first fasteningmechanism extending along a majority of the full length of the at leastone side of the airtight inflatable mat, and the first fasteningmechanism configured for removably connecting with another fasteningmechanism disposed on a side member of another airtight inflatable mat.5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one fasteningmechanism includes at least one of: a zipper fastening mechanism, a loopconnection fastening mechanism, a snap connection fastening mechanism, aVelcro connection fastening mechanism, a buckled connection fasteningmechanism, a grommet with rope connection fastening mechanism, or agrommet fastening mechanism.
 6. A system, comprising: a first airtightinflatable mat, the first airtight inflatable mat having a first surfacemember, a second surface member and at least one side member; a secondairtight inflatable mat, the second airtight inflatable mat having afirst surface member, a second surface member and at least one sidemember; a plurality of support structures disposed internally withineach of the first and second airtight inflatable mat, the supportstructures being generally parallel to each other and being coupled tothe first surface member and the second surface member of theirrespective airtight inflatable mat; and a pair of fastening mechanismsrespectively disposed on the at least one side member of the first andsecond airtight inflatable mat, each of the pair of fastening mechanismbeing positioned on a plane substantially centrally located between thefirst surface member and the second surface member, the pair offastening mechanisms configured for removably connecting the first andsecond airtight inflatable mat to form a floatable walkway.
 7. Thesystem of claim 6, wherein each fastening mechanism includes at leastone of: a zipper fastening mechanism, a loop connection fasteningmechanism, a snap connection fastening mechanism, a Velcro connectionfastening mechanism, a buckled connection fastening mechanism, a grommetwith rope connection fastening mechanism, or a grommet fasteningmechanism.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least three of theplurality of support structures are disposed substantially evenly inbetween the two short sides of the airtight inflatable mat.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the first fastening mechanism extendsalong a majority of the full length of the particular side of theairtight inflatable mat.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein adistance between two adjacent support structures is betweenapproximately 1 and 3 inches.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein awidth of the generally rectangular airtight inflatable mat is betweenapproximately 5 and 7 feet.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein alength of the generally rectangular airtight inflatable mat is betweenapproximately 9 and 11 feet.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theplurality of support structures, the first surface member, and thesecond surface member of the airtight inflatable mat are weldedtogether.
 14. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the grommet isconfigured to receive an attachment.
 15. The apparatus of claim 4,wherein the plurality of support structures are substantially evenlydisposed internally within the airtight inflatable mat.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one fastening mechanismextends along a majority of the full length of the at least one side ofthe airtight inflatable mat.
 17. The system of claim 6, wherein theplurality of support structures are substantially evenly disposedinternally within each of the first and second airtight inflatable mat.18. The system of claim 6, wherein the pair of fastening mechanismsextend along a majority of the full length of the at least one sidemember of their respective airtight inflatable mat.